Monday, March 7, 2016

Divided We Fall!

Two highly
anticipated superhero flicks hit theaters soon. Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice releases in just two weeks and
Captain America: Civil War debuts May
6. While the details differ, both of these films feature iconic superheroes
pitted against one another over ideological differences. In Batman vs. Superman, the Dark Knight’s
distrust of the Man of Steel leads to an epic battle between DC’s two most
beloved heroes. In the comic series that inspired Civil War, Captain America and Iron Man find themselves on opposite
sides of a heated political issue. Captain America’s decision to oppose Iron
Man (and the White House) fractures the superhero community. Lines are drawn, sides
are chosen, and chaos erupts. The ensuing melee lays waste to several square
blocks of New York City. While conflicts like these make for enthralling
entertainment, the fact remains—when superheroes skirmish, nobody wins.

The same is
true for Christians. Unfortunately, conflict amongst Christians is all too
common. With more than two hundred different denominations in the United
States, it seems as though Christians will dispute and divide over just about
anything—baptism, gifts of the Spirit, unconditional election, ecclesiastical
structure, women’s role in ministry, homosexuality, evolution, whether or not
Christians should watch Deadpool,
etc. All too often we identify ourselves in terms of the particular beliefs
that set us apart, rather than those that bind us together with the larger Christian
world. Meanwhile, we’re oblivious to the damage we’re doing.

In the climax
of Marvel’s Civil War mini-series,
Captain America stands over Iron Man, ready to deliver a crippling blow.
Suddenly, firefighters, EMTs and police officers tackle Cap and wrestle him to
the ground. Only then does Steve Rogers lift his eyes and see the damage they’ve
dealt to New York’s landscape. Tears well up in his eyes, as he says, “Oh my
God… they’re right. We’re not fighting for the people anymore… we’re just
fighting.” When I examine the landscape of Christianity today, I wonder if the
same is true of us.

Jesus beseeched his Father, “I am praying not
only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through
their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one”
(John 17:20-21 NLT). Paul expresses a similar sentiment, urging Christians, “Make
every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”
(Ephesians 4:3 NIV). I’m sure that by the end of each film, the superheroes
will overcome their differences and unite against a common threat for the common
good. May we as Christians do the same!